The Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, has opened admissions for its Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) 2026 batch. Applications for this doctoral-level program will close on February 28, 2026 . The FPM is equivalent to a PhD degree and is recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
MDI Gurgaon offers the FPM program in two formats: residential and non-residential. Both tracks focus on advanced research and knowledge creation in management.
Program Tracks
The FPM program caters to different career paths and professional needs through its distinct tracks:
Residential Track
This track targets individuals planning academic careers. It prepares scholars for teaching and research roles at business schools, universities, and research institutions. Residential scholars commit full-time to their studies and research on campus.
Non-Residential Track
The non-residential option is for working professionals and senior executives. This track allows participants to pursue advanced research alongside their current professional commitments. It focuses on practical applications in management, consulting, sustainability, and technology-led solutions.
Research Specialisations
FPM scholars can specialise in various management domains. These areas include:
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics and Public Policy
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
- Operations Management
- Information Management
- Business Communication
- Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
Financial Support for Residential Scholars
Residential scholars in the FPM program receive comprehensive financial assistance. This support helps cover living expenses and research-related costs.
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs 60,000 |
| Contingency Grant | Rs 1.5 lakh |
| Conference Support | Up to Rs 4 lakh |
| International Research Funding | Up to Rs 2.5 lakh |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific academic and professional requirements to apply for the FPM program.
Residential Programme Eligibility
Applicants for the residential track must have a minimum of 60 percent marks in their prior academic qualifications. The maximum age limit for this program is 50 years.
Non-Residential Programme Eligibility
Candidates applying for the non-residential track must be at least 35 years old. They must also have a minimum of 10 years of managerial experience, preferably at a senior level.
Admission Tests
All admissions rely on valid scores from national-level entrance exams. Accepted scores include CAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC-JRF, or GATE. MDI Gurgaon encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, EWS (Economically Weaker Sections), and individuals from rural or urban areas.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline on February 28, 2026 . Further details on the application process and required documents are available on the official MDI Gurgaon website.